Brian Sullivan's eNewsletter
 Snohomish County Council
3000 Rockefeller Ave., M/S 609
Everett, Washington 98201
8th floor, Robert J. Drewel Building
Phone: 425-388-3494
E-Mail: Brian.Sullivan@snoco.org
Robert Knoll, Legislative Aide
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Happy November, everyone! Thanks for reading my eNewsletter for this month.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance to you. I appreciate being your representative.
This week we received great news that Moody's Investors Service upgraded Snohomish County's Issuer and GOLT ratings from Aa2 to Aa1, which should lower future borrowing costs. The factors that lead to this upgrade included "continued local economic growth that drives improving socioeconomic metrics" and "growth in reserves, particularly in the General Fund, which remains below state and national medians." Moody's ratings rationale included "Reserves across the operating funds are healthy, with substantial unrestricted liquidity across all of the county's funds."
Many strategies went into place for the 2018 Budget resulting in the healthy economic outlook we have today. While I was Chair of the Council last year, I came up with the 2018 Financial Management Strategy which included the passing of the following ordinances, while maintaining a 0% increase in the property tax:
- Revenue Forecasting Group,
- Restricted Hiring Ordinance,
- Elimination of Merit Pay,
- Shared Leave Ordinance, and
- General Fund Revenue Stabilization Contribution Ordinance, among others.
While the passage of some of these ordinances were certainly not always popular, I felt they were necessary to keep our County government fiscally responsible. An ordinance I sponsored contributing to the upgrade in our bond rating is the General Fund Revenue Stabilization Contribution Ordinance, aka "Rainy Day Fund." Keeping and building a reserved amount of funds to be used only in times of emergency takes fiscal restraint, both in personal finance as well as in government, and I'm proud there is an ordinance in place doing just that for Snohomish County--and it's already making an impact. This year alone, $2.9 Million will be deposited into the Rainy Day Fund and not put towards operational spending.
Moody's had this to say about our ratings outlook, "The stable outlook reflects the remarkably strong local economy, which is expected to continue to grow moderately, as well as the county's solid finances that reflect stable management and healthy financial policies."
Being a responsible steward is a top priority for me. I will continue to thoughtfully address all County spending as we move forward into 2019.
As I reported last month, the council is reviewing the County Executive’s recommended 2019 budget. As the legislative branch of Snohomish County, the council has the responsibility of delegating spending authority to the executive branch and establishes the annual expenditure levels for all departments. Council has a few options: pass the budget as is, amend, or rewrite its own budget.
Over the last two weeks, all departments have met with the council regarding their individual budget requests. Council analysts are carefully reviewing the proposed budget and will share their conclusions with the council in meetings over the next several weeks.
I will do my best to keep the budget as fiscally sound as possible while maintaining the services our residents' need.
This year the County Executive proposed a $983 million budget, very similar to last year's budget. Thank you to those that came out to the Public Hearings on the budget. Comments are also welcome in writing to Contact.Council@snoco.org.
Council will likely approve our final budget on Monday, November 19th.
Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
As we reflect on the life of Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, what a rich legacy he left behind. The Pacific Northwest has greatly benefited from Mr. Allen's generosity and that includes our own backyard. District 2 boasts the Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum, which includes his personal collection of historic artifacts. In 1998 Paul Allen began acquiring and preserving armor and warbirds and storing them at Arlington Municipal Airport. In 2008 the collection moved to its current location on Paine Field.
If you haven't been to the museum, or it's been awhile since you have, it's definitely worth the trip. Make sure to visit the new "Why War: The Causes of Conflict" Exhibit, filled with touchscreen multi-media displays.
Here are a couple upcoming events to check out:
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Hangar Grand Opening Event, November 10th 10AM-12. The museum is opening a third hangar. Free to active military and veterans.
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Tanks Giving - Saturday, December 1st 10AM-2PM. Santa is riding in from the north pole on his tank!
Courtesy of www.flyingheritage.org
The Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum offers a unique and unparalleled museum experience for history enthusiasts of all ages. Set amidst two spacious, working hangars, visitors can explore 26 rare warbirds and 25 combat vehicles dating back to 1935 (with new artifacts being added each month!), and speak with the engineers who helped restore them to their original condition.
The museum also offers interactive exhibits that help visitors discover the innovations of the past and the humanity behind military history. Whether an individual, family or large group, FHCAM's exclusive offerings let you experience powerful history that changed the world.
The FHCAM is a dynamic collection, including warbirds from multiple homefronts, tanks, and other military technologies; with a focus on restoring and sharing them in their original, working conditions. Periodically, one or more of our exhibits are temporarily absent to participate in an event, for maintenance, or for continuing restoration.
Small Capital Project Partnership (SCPP) Grants
Recognizing the value of small neighborhood parks and activity centers, and the difficulty in funding projects for them, in 2012, the council established the Small Capital Project Partnership Grant. Funding is provided by the Real Estate Excise Tax 2 (REET 2) Fund. To be eligible for funding, applicant organizations must partner with a public
entity on whose land the field or facility is located. Public entities include: school districts, park districts, utility districts, county and cities. The application is submitted by both the applicant group and the public entity. The goal of the program is to award grants across Snohomish County.
The 2018 applications have been reviewed, and grants have been awarded. District 2 grants include the City of Mukilteo being awarded $20,000 for their waterfront promenade and soft shore enhancement, and Mukilteo Little League was awarded $20,000 for trees and fence repair.
If you have a neighborhood project that fits SCPP grant funding, make sure to submit your application for next year's grants.
EVERETT
Warren Miller’s Face of Winter
Thursday, November 15th 6PM - 8PM
Volkswagen Presents Warren Miller’s “Face of Winter”
Loving the pure joy of winter is something we have in common with the late, great Warren Miller—who helped create and capture the magic of skiing. This year, “Face of Winter,” the 69th installment from Warren Miller Entertainment presented by Volkswagen, will bring new and veteran athletes alike together to pay tribute to the man who started it all.
Watch as the world’s best skiers and riders cover ground in some of the most legendary destinations to honor a face that launched a thousand quips and got us all started on this long, crazy ride. Visit some of Warren’s favorite locations from Switzerland to Chamonix, British Columbia to Alaska, Chile, Iceland, New Zealand and more.
Come along to far off regions, meet the locals, carve faces of remote mountain ranges, and celebrate the thrills of a life lived in high places.
Join in the tribute and continue the legacy. We are all the “Face of Winter.”
Everett Makers Market
November 24th 12PM - 6PM
Save the date for Small Business Saturday on November 24th and join us for a great day celebrating the small businesses in your community. We will have a talented group of makers ready to help you check off some of those wish list items and Black Lab Gallery will have some tasty beverages to tickle your taste buds while you visit!
As always, Everett Makers Market is a free and family-friendly event where all are welcome. We look forward to this special day we can all enjoy!
MUKILTEO
Turkey Trot 5K & 10K
November 22nd 8:20AM
 All participants will once again be getting a pair of our famous pajama bottoms and finisher medals.
Register here.
Kamiak High School
10801 Harbour Pointe Blvd,
Mukilteo
Historic Flight Foundation Lecture Series presents Aircraft Aerodynamics
Saturday, November 17th 12PM - 1PM
Historic Flight Foundation Lecture Series presents - Airplane Aerodynamics -Advanced Streamlining to Mach 3 with Davide Lednicer. Discussion on the advances in aerodynamic design between 1927 and 1957
TULALIP
Veterans Day Gathering of Remembrance and Honoring
Sunday, November 11th 11AM
In observance of Veterans Day, the Hibulb Cultural Center offers free admission to veterans and current military of all armed forces, and their families, as one of the ways of showing our appreciation to those whose service reflects the best of selflessness and patriotism.
11:00 AM Posting of Colors, Tulalip Veterans Department, Tulalip Honor Guard
11:10 AM Roll Call, David Fryberg, Marine Veteran
12:00 PM Light Lunch and Refreshments
1:00 PM Lecture Series, Native American Military Service, Sam Stitt, Air Force Veteran
2:00 PM Veterans Healing Forum, Rev. Bill Eagleheart Topash, Marine Veteran
3:00 PM Culture Series, Friendship Bracelets, Monique Jones, Marine Veteran
Festival of the Trees Community Open House - Benefiting Providence Hospital
Thursday, November 28th 1PM - 6PM
View the beautifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths, sip on refreshments and enjoy cookies while watching local community groups perform at the Tulalip Resort. Free admission and complimentary refreshments.
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